Search Privacy Violations, Breaches and Complaints
This database was last updated in December 2015 ago and should only be used as a historical snapshot. More recent data on breaches affecting 500 or more people is available at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Breach Portal.
ST JUDE MEDICAL CENTER
Cited by the California Department of Public Health for a violation of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on October 3, 2012. Also cited in 29 other reports.
Report ID: N62211, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ST JUDE MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on review of hospital documentation, review of hospital policy and staff interview, the hospital failed to prevent unauthorized access to Patient 2's medical information by staff not assigned to provide care to the patient. .Findings:Review of hospital policy and procedure showed the directive patient care staff in the nursing units would only have access to the medical record of patients under their care for clinical or health care operation purposes. During an interview on 10/3/12, the Manager of Regulatory Compliance stated Patient 2 was a hospital employee. The Manager of Regulatory Compliance stated Patient 2 had complications during the birth of her infant on the Labor and Delivery unit of the hospital on 11/14/11. A nurse notified the Manager of the nursling unit where Patient 2 worked of the emergency. The Manager went to the Labor and Delivery area to provide support to Patient 2. In addition, two other employees who were not assigned to care for Patient 2 accessed Patient 2's medical record information out of concern. The Manager of Regulatory Compliance stated Patient 2 had verbalized appreciation for the support provided by the co-workers and did not voice any complaints regarding the sharing of her medical information.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280